Midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed he is nearing a return to full fitness.

Eager to return to action, having secured a dream start to life at the Etihad Stadium, Lampard has hinted he could be ready in time for Wednesday night's crucial Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow.

"I'm not far off selection," he declared. "Fingers crossed, if all goes well over the next couple of days, I'll be back in contention.

"I had a small injury in my thigh - an old injury I'd disturbed slightly.

"It wasn't as bad as I'd first feared but you have to be very careful with muscle injuries. That was the issue.

"I've been working very hard to get back because I was really enjoying playing at the time [I suffered the injury] and that was the bad thing about it."

Following a string of fruitful performances in his first three games for City, which heralded an impressive four goals, the former England star was rewarded with the Player of the Month award for September - a prize he did not anticipate but was delighted to receive.

"It was amazing," he recalled. "I'd sat out the first few games as I was getting my fitness but to come here at make an impact and to get that connection straight away - not just with my teammates but also the club and the fans - meant a lot.

"I've won quite a few honours but that one was special because I didn't expect to get it - so thanks!

I always try to make a big impact. It's very different for me here. For many years, I was used to being the main player in the team, starting every game.

"Now, every minute I get is precious and I want to try and show something whether I'm coming off the bench or starting games.

"That's what I was really enjoying - the fact I could come here and offer something a bit different from midfield. I tried to arrive in the box at the right time, I got a few goals and hopefully, when I'm back fit, I'll be doing it again."

Lampard became a fans' favourite within minutes of making his debut. As a result, speculation has started to mount on the possibility of the midfielder extending his stay in Manchester.

Although Lampard admits he is happy at the Etihad Stadium, he remained coy on the subject of what lies ahead.

"All I can say is how much I'm enjoying it at City," he conceded. "I'm contracted here until the end of December and my future will be at New York City at some stage.

"All I can do now is go week by week and play as well as I can when I am playing to bring a good contribution.

"I didn't know what to expect before I came here but the move has opened my eyes to a fantastic club with fantastic people behind-the-scenes and I'm just trying to enjoy every minute.

"It's a great opportunity - not many at 36 get the chance to come and play for a club like City. I love the training, living up here, the people at the club, the staff and the fans.

"When I left Chelsea, I thought I was going to be moving out of the Premier League and that was a different angle. That's all to come still but this is an absolutely brilliant time for me.

"I want to look back on it and say I enjoyed it - but more than that, I want to look back and say I made a bit of a difference in a positive way.

"What I will say is: for every minute I am here, I'll give it everything and we'll see how it goes."